Unlatching Locked Door

I have a door latch that is stuck in its locked position; I am unable to open the door. I think it might because the screws on the face plate are very loose. However since I cannot open the door I am unable to tighten them. Any suggestions?

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Unlatching Locked Door

Push or pull the door to relieve pressure on the latch bar while trying to unlock the lock. If that does not work, gentle but strong force from a wonder usually does. Works great for burgulars, but don't be as forceful. Just pry far enough to pop the lock bar out.

Unlatching Locked Door

Unlatching Locked Door

With the door open tap the latch with a hammer to get it loose. If this is just a spring latch you can tap it pretty hard. If this is a poitive throw deadbolt you'll need to tap more gently while trying to turn the key at the same time. Your only using graphite lube right? Any kind of oil will accumulate dirt and end up counterproductive. If you've got old gunked up oil in there you'll need to clean it all out.